Amusement ride with cable-launched carrier

ABSTRACT

An amusement ride with cable-launched carrier having one or more towers with the upper portion of at least one such tower being flexible. Each tower supports a cable. Attached to the first end of such cable is a means for propelling a carrier that is attached to the second end of each cable. The means for propelling is a high-speed winch, a fluid-powered cylinder having a continuous cable, or a fluid-powered cylinder having a non-continuous cable. Optionally, a controllably rotatable seat can be attached to the carrier; a harness connected to a serrated rod that slides into a biased block holds each participant to the seat; and a spring, weight, or pressurizable cylinder prevents each cable from becoming slack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to an amusement ride that uses cables toelevate a carrier for one or more participants between a multitude oftowers.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,686 employs a multitude of towers and cablesto elevate a carrier for participants. There is no indication, however,that at least the top portion of the towers would be flexible. In fact,the arches shown in FIG. 4 between adjacent towers suggests that thereis no such flexibility.

[0005] Several patents, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,421,783; 5,649,866; and5,810,671 have a passenger carrier that is accelerated upward by bungeecords and can relatively freely swing about the ends of such cords. U.S.Pat. No. 5,649,866 uses three towers; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,421,783 and5,810,671 utilize three towers. No mention is made of any flexibility inthe towers of these patents. The lattice construction shown in thedrawings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,649,866 and 5,810,671 imply that therewould be no such flexibility. Indeed, lines 56 through 56 in column 2 ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,649,866 refer to the towers as “three upstanding,stationary towers”; and lines 32 through 33 in column 2 of U.S. Pat. No.5,8180,671 use the descriptive terminology “pair of spaced, stationarytowers.” The relatively short height of the towers shown in the drawingsfor U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,783 provides a similar implication. And, infact, line 11 in column 6 of that patent describes the towers as being“rigid structures.”

[0006] The passenger carrier in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,421,783; 5,649,866; and5,810,671 that is accelerated upward by bungee cords can relativelyfreely swing about the ends of such cords. There is, however, nocontrolled rotation of the carrier; U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,671, in lines 2through 5 of column 7, merely indicates that, by “shifting their weight”participants can cause the carrier of the invention to commence rolling.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,111 does involve controlled rotation of apassenger chair (also termed a “support”) for an amusement ride. Thedegree of rotation is, however, purposefully limited; the limitedrotation that is possible apparently occurs only over a restricted,fixed portion of a course upon a tower; and only downward movementoccurs when the chair has been rotated from its initial substantiallyvertical position.

[0008] Lines 31 through 37 in column 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,111explain, “The passenger support, together with the passenger, is tiltedforward into a falling orientation which is at a predeterminedtilt-angle to the pre-fall orientation. The passenger support, togetherwith the passenger, is dropped or propelled from the drop position to alower position while the passenger support and the passenger are in theforward tilted falling orientation . . . ”

[0009] Lines 3 and 4 in column 3 further clarify, “for safety reasons,the tilt-angle of the passenger and the passenger support is limited . .. ”

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,111 continues, in lines 26 through 28 ofcolumn 3, by asserting, “A travel course for the carriage is establishedby engaging a guide that is connected to the carriage upon an elongaterail or track that is coupled to an elevating tower.”

[0011] Lines 23 through 25, 39 through 42, and 46 through 49 of column 3state, “The degree of tilt between the pre-fall orientation 92 and thefalling orientation 95 is predetermined and restricted . . . When thelatching mechanism 40 is released, the passenger support 22 is permittedto tilt or be tilted from the pre-fall orientation 92 toward and intothe falling orientation 95 . . . Alternatively, the tilting action canbe induced by an operating mechanism B43B which in the describedembodiment is a rotary motor and may be exemplarily electromechanical,hydraulic or other suitable configuration.”

[0012] Lines 39 through 46 and 55 through 57 of column 6 consistentlyprovide, “Upon reaching the drop position 70, the passenger support 22is permitted to tilt, or is tilted from the upright and sitting pre-fallorientation 92 to the tilted falling orientation 95. To accomplish suchtilting, the latching mechanism 40 is released and the passenger 55 iseither motored to the tilted position using the operating mechanism 43or the support 22 is simply allowed to drop to the tilted position andfalling orientation 95 under the passenger's 55 own weight. . . . Thetilting action is accommodated by the pivot connection 37 and is limitedeither by the operating mechanism 43 or appropriate stops.” Then line 67of column 3 through line 2 of column 7 declares, “Either simultaneouslyor shortly thereafter, the carriage 34 begins to drop over a fallingtravel distance 73.”

[0013] Finally, with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,111, lines 53through 56 in column 7 observe, “The maximum safe tilt angle 98 isexperimentally determined and then the actual tilt angle 98 isrestricted within a range between that determined angle and the uprightposition.”

[0014] Furthermore, none of the preceding patents has a restraint systemfor the participant which employs a harness releasably held in placethrough the insertion of a serrated rod into an aperture of adirectionally biased block.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,686 does not discuss a restraint system.Lines 20 and 21 of column 7 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,783 simply note, “ .. . each rider is strapped in with dual shoulder belts and a standardlap belt.” U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,866, in lines 58 through 61 of column 3,and U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,671, in lines 24 through 27, utilize identicallanguage: “Associated with each seat 58 is a five-point harness assembly60 for securing an individual within the seat 58 when an individual isseated therein.” And U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,111, in lines 6 through 17 ofcolumn 5, provides, “The carriage 34 has a passenger support or car 22mounted thereupon. The passenger support 22 includes a chair-typestructure upon which the passenger 55 directly rests. The chair includesa headrest, restraint 31 for retaining the passenger 55 safely in thesupport 22 throughout the ride's 10 cycle. The restraint 31 is pivotallyconnected at an upper portion 28 of the passenger support 22.Supplemental restraints may also be included as required or desired. Theseveral restraints however, are of conventional design and well-known inthe amusement ride arts.”

[0016] And none of the preceding patents includes a device formaintaining tension in a cable which assists in providing the propulsiveforce to the carrier for the participant or participants on an amusementride.

[0017] Examples of patents which apply to fluid-powered cylindersassociated with cables for powring amusement rides are U.S. Pat. Nos.5,632,686; 5,704,841; 5,893,802; 6,001,022; and 6,176,788.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention utilizes cables suspended from a multitudeof towers, preferably an odd number of towers and most preferably threetowers, to raise a carrier for passengers.

[0019] Any means for causing the end of a cable attached to the carrierto move in a desired direction that is known in the art may be employed.This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a high-speed winch ora fluid-powered cylinder. The propulsive force may be applied to thecable either at the end of the cable other than the end which isattached to the carrier or, preferably, at a point intermediate betweenthe ends of the cable.

[0020] At least the upper portion at least one of the towers and,preferably, all of the towers is flexible. Movement of the towers inresponse to acceleration of the carrier cushions the carrier and,consequently, participants on the carrier.

[0021] Preferably, but not necessarily, the carrier has one or morecontrollably rotatable seats.

[0022] Also preferably, but not necessarily, participant are held totheir seats with harnesses attached to one or more serrated rods,wherein each serrated rod is inserted into an aperture of adirectionally biased block.

[0023] And, optionally, a device for maintaining tension in a cable isemployed for the cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 depicts the Amusement Ride with Cable-launched Carrier witha means for propelling a carrier attached to a first end of cables fromtowers.

[0025]FIG. 2 illustrates the Amusement Ride with Cable-launched Carrierwith a means for propelling a carrier connected at an intermediate pointon each cable.

[0026]FIG. 3 shows the connection of a fluid-powered cylinder having acontinuous cable to the first end of a cable.

[0027]FIG. 4 portrays the attachment of a fluid-powered cylinder havinga continuous cable at an intermediate point on a cable.

[0028]FIG. 5 demonstrates the connection a fluid-powered cylinder havinga non-continuous cable to the first end of a cable.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a view showing the attachment of a fluid-poweredcylinder having a continuous cable at an intermediate point on a cable.

[0030]FIG. 7 shows a first view of the Controllably Rotatable Seat.

[0031]FIG. 8 provides an alternate view of the Controllably RotatableSeat.

[0032]FIG. 9 depicts a target on a tower to be detected by a sensorassociated with the Controllably Rotatable Seat.

[0033]FIG. 10 provides a normal view of the Locking Apparatus.

[0034]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the Locking Apparatus.

[0035]FIG. 12 shows a rod having its second end in the shape of a loop.

[0036]FIG. 13 illustrates a rod having screw threads on its second end.

[0037]FIG. 14 depicts a spring used at the end of a cable to reduceslackness.

[0038]FIG. 15 shows a weight attached to the end of a cable to reduceslackness.

[0039]FIG. 16 illustrates a cylinder connected to the end of a cable toreduce slackness.

[0040]FIG. 17 portrays a spring used at an intermediate point of a cableto reduce slackness.

[0041]FIG. 18 demonstrates a weight used at an intermediate point of acable to reduce slackness.

[0042]FIG. 19 shows a cylinder pushing against a cable at anintermediate point to reduce slackness.

[0043]FIG. 20 illustrates a cylinder pulling against a cable at anintermediate point to reduce slackness.

[0044]FIG. 21 shows The Amusement Ride with Cable-launched Carrierhaving a fluid-powered cylinder with a non-continuous cable connected,oriented with the valve for supplying fluid downward, connected at anintermediate point of the cable which has a pressurizable cylinderconnected to the first end of said cable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0045] As its name implies, the Amusement Ride with Cable-launchedCarrier has, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a cable 302 suspendedfrom a tower 401. Preferably, there are a multitude of cables 302 andtowers 401, more preferably and odd number, and most preferably three.

[0046] At least the upper portion 402 of at least one tower 401 and,preferably of all the towers 401, is flexible.

[0047] A means 421 for propelling a carrier 303 for one or moreparticipants is attached either to a first end 304 of each cable 302 orat an intermediate point between the first end 304 and the second end305 of a cable 302. The second end 305 of each cable 302 is connected tothe carrier 303.

[0048] This means can be any mechanism that is well known in the art forpropelling a carrier 303 of an amusement ride. For example, it can be ahigh-speed winch, a fluid-powered cylinder having a continuous cable, ora fluid-powered cylinder having a non-continuous cable.

[0049]FIG. 3 shows a fluid-powered cylinder 403 having a continuouscable 404 attached to the first end 304 of the cable 302 which propelsthe carrier 303. The first end 304 is merely connected to the continuouscable 404.

[0050] The continuous cable 404 can, alternatively, be connected at anintermediate point of the cable 302, as portrayed in FIG. 4. In thisembodiment, a first end 405 of a transfer cable 406 is connected to thecontinuous cable 404; and a second end 407 of the transfer cable 406 isconnected to a slide 408 through which the cable 302 can substantiallyfreely move. The first end 304 of the cable 302 is attached to anystructure 423 which will hold such first end 304 substantiallystationary; and the slide 408 is preferably, but not necessarily, apulley.

[0051] A fluid-powered cylinder 403 having a non-continuous cable isattached to the first end of the cable 302 by merely having the firstend 304 of the cable 302 connected to a piston 409 slidably mountedwithin the cylinder 403, as depicted in FIG. 5.

[0052] When a fluid-powered cylinder 403 having a non-continuous cableis connected at an intermediate point of the cable 302, this is doneexactly as in the case of the continuous cable except that the first end405 of the transfer cable 406 is attached to the piston 409, asportrayed in FIG. 6. And, with respect to the embodiments of thefluid-powered cylinder 403 discussed so far, the term transfer cable 406includes not only a flexible cable, but also a rod. Moreover, the termcable 302 for any portion of the cable 302 which enters thefluid-powered cylinder 403 also, but not preferably, includes anon-flexible structure such as a rod.

[0053] Each fluid-powered cylinder 403 has an aperture 410 in a firstend 411 of said cylinder 403 through which the cable 302, 404, or 406passes. The fluid-powered cylinder 403 having a continuous cable alsohas an aperture 412 in a second end 422 of the cylinder 403 throughwhich the cable 404 passes before connecting to the piston 409. Thesecond end 422 can actually be either open or closed.

[0054] In or near, i.e., closer than the piston 409 will ever be, to thefirst end 411 is a valve 413 for injecting the fluid to propel thepiston 409 and, consequently, the carrier 303. Either this valve 413 ora separate descent valve 414 communicating with the interior 415 of thecylinder 403 can, when necessary, be utilized to reduce fluid in orderto facilitate the return of the piston 409 and, consequently, thecarrier 303, to its original position. Optionally, the cylinder 403 maycontain an aperture or valve 416 in the side 417 of the cylinder 403 toreduce pressure and thereby facilitate movement of the piston 409 beforeit reaches the aperture or valve 416 as well as reducing pressure afterthe piston 409 has passed the aperture or valve 416 in order to assurethat the piston 409 and, consequently, the carrier 303 is not propelledtoo forcefully.

[0055] A controllably rotatable seat has a seat 1 attached to an arm 2that is rotated by a means for rotating 3 which is preferably anelectric motor but which can be pneumatics, hydraulics, or any othermechanism that is well known in the art for producing rotation. (Theterm “seat” is used herein to mean either a single seat or a group oftwo or more seats.)

[0056] Preferably, but not necessarily, a lever arm 4 connects the arm 2to the means for rotating 3 so that the point of rotation of the meansfor rotating 3 will be substantially aligned with the center of gravityof a participant sitting on the seat 1.

[0057] Also preferably, but not necessarily, the lower portion 5 of theseat 1 is a saddle seat, i.e., it is formed in substantially the sameshape as a saddle for a horse, in order to cause the participant to feelexposed to excitement.

[0058] The arm 2 and, consequently, the seat 1 can preferably, but notnecessarily, rotate at least ninety degrees.

[0059] Preferably, but not necessarily, there would also be a means forretaining the participant to the seat 1, such as a harness.

[0060] The arm 2 and the means for rotating 3, as well as the lever arm4 when employed, are attached to the carrier 303. Attachment of the arm2, and the lever arm 4 when employed, is a rotatable attachment to thecarrier 303.

[0061] A timer 9 communicating with the means for rotating 3 can beprogrammed with the time to commence rotation and the time to beginrotating the seat 1 to its original orientation.

[0062] Alternatively, a target 10 can be located on a tower 401 at apoint where rotation is desired to commence as the seat 1 passes thetarget 10, and a second target 11 can be placed on a tower 401 at apoint where it is desired to have the seat 1 start rotating back to itsoriginal orientation. A sensor 12 capable of detecting the targets 10,11 would be mounted on the carrier 303 and communicate either directlyor through a preferably, but not necessarily, programmable, logic unit13 such as a computer with the means for rotating 3. Optionally, only asingle target 10 would be employed; and the seat 1 would start rotatingas it passed the target 10 going in a first direction and would beginrotating to its original orientation as it passed the target 10 going inthe substantially opposite direction.

[0063] A device known in the art for measuring distances could alsodetermine the distance between a known elevation (or other position) andthe carrier 303. Such device communicates through a, preferably, but notnecessarily, programmable, logic unit 13 such as a computer with themeans for rotating 3. Initial rotation would commence at a givendistance, and rotation back to the original orientation of the seat 1would begin at another specified distance, with such criteria either setinto the logic unit 13 at the factory or, when the logic unit isprogrammable, programmed into the logic unit 13 by a user. Communicationin this embodiment would preferably, but not necessarily, be bydigitally encoded radio signals.

[0064] Finally, any device well known in the art for measuring thedistance a cable 302 moves could function just as does the device formeasuring distances discussed in the preceding paragraph.

[0065] Also, as discussed above, any device known in the art formeasuring speed or acceleration or any other measurable criterionassociated with the amusement ride could determine the time for rotationand the time for return of the seat 1 to its original orientation justas discussed for the device for measuring distances.

[0066] And, preferably, but not necessarily, the means for retaining theparticipant to the seat 1 includes a harness 418 attached to a lockingapparatus 419.

[0067] The locking apparatus has a block 101 containing an aperture 102.The block is attached to the seat 1.

[0068] A rod 103 is removably insertable into the aperture 102. The rod103 is serrated, i.e., the thickness of the rod 103 varies periodicallyalong a portion 104 of the length of the rod 103 beginning near a firstend 105 of the rod 103.

[0069] The maximum periodic thickness 106 of the rod 103 is less thanthe minimum diameter of the aperture 102 in the block 101 so that therod 101 can be inserted into the aperture 102.

[0070] Between the center of the aperture 102 and a first end 107 of theblock 101, the block is rotatably attached to a support structure 108.The block 101 is biased so that the second end 109 of the block 101 isfarther toward the direction from which the rod 103 is intended to beinserted that is the first end 107 of the block 101. Preferably, but notnecessarily, such biasing is done between the center of the aperture 102and a second end 109 of the block 101.

[0071] The biasing of the block 101 reduces the minimum diameter of theaperture 102 as projected perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of therod 103. The projected minimum diameter of the aperture 102 is then lessthan the periodic maximum diameter 106 of the rod 103 so that pushingthe rod 103 into the aperture 102 tends to decrease the biasing, therebyincreasing the minimum projected diameter of the aperture 102, until theminimum projected diameter of the aperture 102 exceeds the periodicmaximum diameter 106 of the rod 103 so that the rod 103 can enter theaperture 102. Continuing to push the rod 103 enables it to proceedfarther into the aperture 102. As the rod 103 is pushed farther into theaperture 102, however, the biasing pushes the edge of the aperture 102into a portion of the rod 103 between periodic maximum diameters 106.Then attempting to withdraw the rod 103 causes the rod 103 to pull theblock 101 and thereby either maintain or increase the biasing, whichconsequently reduces the projected diameter of the aperture 102 andprecludes withdrawal of the rod 103.

[0072] Biasing may be accomplished by any device 110, such as a springthat will exert a physical force between the block 101 and the supportstructure 108. Preferably, but not necessarily, the block 101 contains afirst depression 111 to hold a first end 112 of the device 110; andpreferably, but not necessarily, the support structure contains a seconddepression 113 to hold a second end 114 of the device 110.

[0073] The second end 115 of the rod 103 is available for connection toa restraining device such as the cloth of a seat belt or a bar and isshaped to accommodate such restraining device. This shape is generally aloop for a seat belt or screw threads for insertion into a bar.

[0074] The further the rod 103 is pushed into the block 101, the tighterthe restraint will be.

[0075] Any means well known in the art for applying a physical force isused to push against or pull the block 101 to reduce the biasing. Such ameans may, e.g., be a manually operated rod or lever, a cable attachedto the block 101 to pull the block 101, a motor, a hydraulically poweredrod to push the block 101, or a pneumatically powered rod to push theblock 101.

[0076] Finally, a sensor 116 of any type known in the art for indicatingthe presence of the rod 103 within the block may be utilized. Thiscould, for example, be a contact sensor or a light sensor.

[0077] Optionally, the Amusement Ride with Cable-launched Carrierincludes a device for maintaining tension in a cable. In someembodiments of such a situation, as will be more fully explained below,the first end 304 of the cable 302 is allowed to move somewhat.

[0078] When the propulsive force for the carrier 303 is applied at anintermediate point of the cable 302, in order to reduce slackness in thecable 302 as the carrier 303 approaches its upper vertical limit, ameans is employed for applying a pulling force along the cable 302 inthe direction away from the carrier 303 to which such cable 302 isattached. This pulling force is applied to the end 304, designated thefirst end, of the cable 302 other than the end 305, designated thesecond end, that is connected to the carrier 303. In such acircumstance, the first end 304 of the cable 302 is not connected to astructure 423 which will hold such first end 304 substantiallystationary.

[0079] Examples of devices which can create the pulling force are aspring 306 having a first end 307 connected to the first end 304 of thecable 302 and a second end 308 connected to an object 309 which is soheavy that movement of the carrier 303 will not appreciably move theobject 309, as illustrated in FIG. 14; a weight suspended from the firstend 304 of the cable, as shown in FIG. 15; and a pressurizable cylinder310 connected to the object 309 and having a rod 311 extending throughan end 312 of the cylinder 310 with the first end 313 of the rod 311attached to a piston 314 slidably mounted within the cylinder 310 andthe second end 315 of the rod 311 attached to the first end 304 of thecable 302, as portrayed in FIG. 16. Alternatively, the rod 311 can beeliminated; and the cable 302 is then connected directly to the piston314. The object 309 is preferably the earth or a structure attached tothe earth. The pressurizable cylinder 310 has an aperture 316 connectedto a source 317 of compressed fluid, preferably a gas, through apressure regulator 318; such aperture 316 is preferably near the end ofthe pressurizable cylinder 310 through which the rod 311 extends. Also,an aperture 319 exists in the end 312 of the cylinder to allow the rod311 or cable 302 to pass through the end 312.

[0080] Of the various devices, the pressurizable cylinder 310 ispreferred.

[0081] In order to reduce slackness in the cable 302 when the propulsiveforce for the carrier 303 is applied at the first end 304 of the cable302, a means for applying a force substantially transverse to the cable302 at an intermediate point of the cable 302 is utilized.

[0082] One example of such a means is, as shown in FIG. 17, a spring 321having a first end 322 attached to a slide 323 through which the cable302 can substantially freely move and a second end 323 attached to arigid structure 324, which could, for example, be a tower 401 from whichthe cable 302 is supported. The slide 323 can, but need not, totallyencircle the cable 302; it is sufficient that the slide 323 goes farenough around the cable 302 to prevent the cable 302 from slipping awayfrom the slide 323.

[0083] Another example of a means for applying the substantiallytransverse force is, as illustrated in FIG. 18, a line 325 that has afirst end 326 attached to the slide 323 and a second end 327 connectedto a weight 328 with the line 325 passing at an intermediate pointbetween the ends 326, 327 around a substantially horizontal structure329, which is preferably a pulley, to suspend the weight 328.

[0084] A third example of a means for applying the substantiallytransverse force is, as depicted in FIG. 19, a pressurizable cylinder330 connected to the rigid structure 324 and having a rod 311 extendingthrough an end 312 of the cylinder 330 with the first end 313 of the rod311 attached to a piston 314 slidably mounted within the cylinder 330and the second end 315 of the rod 311 attached to the slide 323. Thecylinder 330 is constructed just as is the cylinder 310 except thataperture 316 is preferably near the end of the pressurizable cylinder330 opposite to the end 312 through which the rod 311 extends because itis desired to have the gas exert a force which tends to push the rod 311from the cylinder 330 rather than tending to pull the rod 311 into thecylinder 330.

[0085] Still another example of a means for applying the substantiallytransverse force is portrayed in FIG. 20. A pressurizable cylinder 331is connected to the rigid structure 324, has a force transferring device332, either a rod or cable, with the first end 313 of the forcetransferring device 332 attached to the piston 314, and has the secondend 315 of the force transferring device 332 connected to the slide 323.In all other respects the pressurizable cylinder is the same aspressurizable cylinder 310.

[0086] The most preferred embodiment of the Amusement Ride withCable-launched Carrier comprises three towers 401, each tower suspendinga cable 302, with at least one of said towers 401 having a flexibleupper portion 402; associated with each cable 302, a fluid-poweredcylinder 403 having a non-continuous cable, oriented with the valve 413downward, and connected to the cable 302 at an intermediate point of thecable 302; a transfer cable 406 which is flexible and bends around anydevice 420 for changing the direction of a physical force withoutcreating substantial friction, such as a pulley, so that the transfercable 406 travels upward before connecting to the slide 408 around thecable 302 in order, as described above, to connect a fluid-poweredcylinder 403 to each cable 302; a pressurizable cylinder 310 connectedto the first end 304 of each cable 302 and to the object 309 as themeans for applying a pulling force along the cable 302 in the directionaway from the carrier 303 to which the cable 302 is attached, with theobject 309 located horizontally near the device 420; for each cable 320,another device 420 around which the cable 302 passes between the slide408 and the first end 304 of the cable 302; and a carrier 303 connectedto the second end of each cable 302.

I claim:
 1. An amusement ride with cable-launched carrier, whichcomprises: one or more towers with at least one of said towers having aflexible upper portion; a cable suspended from each tower, said cablehaving a first end and a second end; a carrier for one or moreparticipants attached to the second end of said cable; and a means forpropelling said carrier, said means for propelling being attached tosaid cable other than at the second end of said cable.
 2. The amusementride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising: a controllably rotatable seat attached to said carrier. 3.The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 2,further comprising: a harness attached to a locking apparatus connectedto said carrier.
 4. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 3, further comprising: a device for maintaining tensionin said cable attached to said cable.
 5. The amusement ride withcable-launched carrier as recited in claim 2, further comprising: adevice for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable. 6.The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 1,further comprising: a harness attached to a locking apparatus connectedto said carrier.
 7. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 6, further comprising: a device for maintaining tensionin said cable attached to said cable.
 8. The amusement ride withcable-launched carrier as recited in claim 1, further comprising: adevice for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable. 9.The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 1,wherein: the means for propelling said carrier is a high-speed winch.10. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim9, further comprising: a controllably rotatable seat attached to saidcarrier.
 11. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 10, further comprising: a harness attached to a lockingapparatus connected to said carrier.
 12. The amusement ride withcable-launched carrier as recited in claim 11, further comprising: adevice for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable. 13.The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 10,further comprising: a device for maintaining tension in said cableattached to said cable.
 14. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 9, further comprising: a harness attached toa locking apparatus connected to said carrier.
 15. The amusement ridewith cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 14, further comprising:a device for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable.16. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim9, further comprising: a device for maintaining tension in said cableattached to said cable.
 17. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 1, wherein: the means for propelling saidcarrier comprises: a fluid-powered cylinder, which comprises: a cylinderhaving an aperture in a first end and an aperture in a second end ofsaid cylinder and also having a side and an interior; a piston slidablymounted within said cylinder; a continuous cable, said continuous cablepassing through the aperture in the first end of the cylinder and theaperture in the second end of the cylinder and said continuous cablebeing attached to said piston; and a valve for injecting the fluid topropel the piston, said valve being near the first end of said cylinder.18. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim17, further comprising: a controllably rotatable seat attached to saidcarrier.
 19. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 18, further comprising: a harness attached to a lockingapparatus connected to said carrier.
 20. The amusement ride withcable-launched carrier as recited in claim 19, further comprising: adevice for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable. 21.The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 20,further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interior ofsaid cylinder.
 22. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 21, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 23. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 20, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 24. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 19, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 25. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 24, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 26. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 19, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 27. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 18, further comprising: a device formaintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable.
 28. Theamusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 27,further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interior ofsaid cylinder.
 29. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 28, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 30. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 27, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 31. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 18, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 32. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 31, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 33. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 18, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 34. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 17, further comprising: a harness attachedto a locking apparatus connected to said carrier.
 35. The amusement ridewith cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 34, further comprising:a device for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable.36. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim35, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interiorof said cylinder.
 37. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 36, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 38. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 35, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 39. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 34, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 40. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 39, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 41. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 34, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 42. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 17, further comprising: a device formaintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable.
 43. Theamusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 42,further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interior ofsaid cylinder.
 44. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 43, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 45. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 42, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 46. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 17, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 47. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 46, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 48. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 17, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 49. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 17, wherein: the first end of said cable isconnected to said continuous cable.
 50. The amusement ride withcable-launched carrier as recited in claim 17, further comprising: aslide through which said cable moves substantially freely; a transfercable having a first end connected to said continuous cable and a secondend connected to said slide; and wherein: the first end of said cable isattached to a structure which will hold the first end of said cablesubstantially stationary.
 51. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 1, wherein: the means for propelling saidcarrier comprises: a fluid-powered cylinder, which comprises: a cylinderhaving an aperture in a first end and also having a side and aninterior; a piston slidably mounted within said cylinder and availablefor connection to a cable; and a valve for injecting the fluid to propelthe piston, said valve being near the first end of said cylinder. 52.The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 51,further comprising: a controllably rotatable seat attached to saidcarrier.
 53. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 52, further comprising: a harness attached to a lockingapparatus connected to said carrier.
 54. The amusement ride withcable-launched carrier as recited in claim 53, further comprising: adevice for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable. 55.The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 54,further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interior ofsaid cylinder.
 56. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 55, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 57. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 54, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 58. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 53, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 59. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 58, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 60. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 53, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 61. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 52, further comprising: a device formaintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable.
 62. Theamusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 61,further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interior ofsaid cylinder.
 63. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 62, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 64. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 61, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 65. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 52, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 66. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 65, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 67. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 52, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 68. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 51, further comprising: a harness attachedto a locking apparatus connected to said carrier.
 69. The amusement ridewith cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 68, further comprising:a device for maintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable.70. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim69, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interiorof said cylinder.
 71. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 70, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 72. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 69, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 73. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 68, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 74. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 73, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 75. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 68, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 76. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 51, further comprising: a device formaintaining tension in said cable attached to said cable.
 77. Theamusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 76,further comprising: a descent valve communicating with the interior ofsaid cylinder.
 78. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier asrecited in claim 77, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 79. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 76, further comprising: an aperture in the side of saidcylinder.
 80. The amusement ride with cable-launched carrier as recitedin claim 51, further comprising: a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder.
 81. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 80, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 82. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 51, further comprising: an aperture in theside of said cylinder.
 83. The amusement ride with cable-launchedcarrier as recited in claim 51, wherein: the first end of said cable isconnected to said piston after the first end of said cable has passedthrough the aperture in the first end of the cylinder.
 84. The amusementride with cable-launched carrier as recited in claim 51, furthercomprising: a slide through which said cable moves substantially freely;a transfer cable having a first end connected to said piston and asecond end connected to said slide; and wherein: the first end of saidcable is attached to a structure which will hold the first end of saidcable substantially stationary.
 85. An amusement ride withcable-launched carrier, which comprises: three towers with at least oneof said towers having a flexible upper portion; a cable suspended fromeach tower, each of said cables having a first end and a second end; acarrier for one or more participants attached to the second ends of saidcables; a fluid-powered cylinder, comprising: a cylinder having anaperture in a first end and also having a side and an interior; a pistonslidably mounted within said cylinder and available for connection to acable; and a valve for injecting the fluid to propel the piston, saidvalve being near the first end of said cylinder, wherein said cylinderis oriented with the valve downward; a slide through which said cablemoves substantially freely; a transfer cable having a first endconnected to said piston and a second end connected to said slide; apulley around which the transfer cable bends between said cylinder andsaid slide so that said transfer cable travels upward before connectingto said slide; another pulley around which said cable passe3s betweensaid slide and the first end of said cable; a controllably rotatableseat attached to said carrier; a harness attached to a locking apparatusconnected to said carrier; a pressurizable cylinder connected to anobject which is so heavy that movement of the carrier will notappreciably move the object, said pressurizable cylinder having a pistonslidably mounted within the cylinder and attached to the first end ofsaid cable, said pressurizable cylinder also having an aperture forconnection to a source of compressed fluid near an end of said cylinder,and said pressurizable cylinder having an aperture in that end of thepressurizable cylinder to allow said cable to pass through the end ofthe pressurizable cylinder; a descent valve communicating with theinterior of said cylinder; an aperture in the side of said cylinder; andwherein: the first end of said cable is attached to a structure whichwill hold the first end of said cable substantially stationary.